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MLS Designated Player Dissection: What Is An American DP?
MLS needs to begin using the mechanism to keep talented young Americans in the league.
Sep 26, 2010 11:53:00 PM
By Avery Raimondo
During an interview this week with the New York Times, MLS commissioner Don Garber spoke about the Designated Player rule and its future.
"Our fans didn’t want international star players; they wanted star players," Garber said. "It would not surprise me if at some point in the near future we have multiple American designated players."
The American Designated Player is a quandary. The purpose of the rule is to improve the on-field product, but also to broaden a club’s brand, attracting both local and international interest. The idea of bringing back U.S. internationals slightly past their primes has been thrown around since the DP rule was introduced.
How many United States national team members though would appeal to more than just the usual fans who frequent MLS matches? If someone were aware of, say, Carlos Bocanegra, wouldn’t they already be attending?
This makes the rumor of a Jay Demerit signing in Vancouver perplexing. There have been two American DPs, Claudio Reyna and Landon Donovan, with one a clear-cut success and the other, the opposite. Donovan with his immense talent and foreign troubles make him an anomaly. Reyna, arriving in New Jersey towards the end of his career, did not generate the expected excitement in his native state.
The American centerback’s affect on ticket sales in Canada would likely be negligible. And is a centerhalf worth the cost of a Designated Player? The influx of Colombian defenders – Jamison Olave, Wilman Conde, and Jhon Kennedy Hurtado – indicates that it’s not likely. Vancouver, which possess the best defense in USL, will need an upgrade everywhere on the pitch even in the backline when they make the step-up to MLS. DPs, though, are luxuries that must be allotted towards the top of a club’s formation.
If a criterion for a Designated Player is that they must be somewhat attack-minded, few Americans spring to mind. Few who would make a huge impact - Jozy Altidore for example - would return to MLS; those who would fall into similar company as Demerit.
However, two Americans spring to mind who could be the future that Garber envisions: Stuart Holden and Jose Torres.
Seattle’s signings indicate that there is room for marginal DPs, those who make just above the $335,000 dollar cutoff.
Both Blaise Nkufo and Alvaro Fernandez have elevated the once frustrated, sophomore Sounders towards their second playoff birth. Neither Nkufo nor Fernandez is a huge name despite appearing in the World Cup, but their salaries, just above the DP cusp, and their high quality of play made them fabulous acquisitions.
Holden, prior to his move to Bolton, would have been the perfect low-cost Designated Player. His last season with the Dynamo illustrated that he was on the verge of becoming one of the league’s best midfielders. A contract in the mid to high six-figure range – if the midfielder accepted – would have been perfect for Houston and MLS.
Like Fernandez, Holden would have been one of the few Designated Players approaching the prime of their career opposed to their twilight. Prolonging young Americans’ jaunts to Europe will only improve the quality of the league.
Torres, if attracted from Pachuca, would also be an ideal signing for MLS clubs, especially those in Texas. The 22-year-old’s move to a La Liga club is inevitable, but why not make a good deal of money and be the centerpiece of a club before arriving in Spain?
These players wouldn’t elicit a huge response from local crowds, but unlike Demerit, they probably wouldn’t require a seven-figure deal. Their influence on sales would be gradual, as people surrounding their club would be drawn by victories rather than star names.
The Designated Player rule is flexible enough to provide several potent implementations. Ideally, home-bred DPs will complement the likes of Thierry Henry and David Beckham.
Nery Castillo (Chicago Fire)
Did not play in 1-0 defeat against the Seattle Sounders due to a quadriceps injury.
Castillo missed the crucial match in which the Fire couldn't find a breakthrough. But at this point, is there that much of a difference between Calen Carr or Patrick Nyarko, and Castillo?
Freddie Ljungberg (Chicago Fire)
Started, played 90 minutes in 1-0 defeat against the Seattle Sounders.
If the Fire were going to score against the Sounders, Ljungberg seemed the likeliest to create a goal. That being said, the elusive finish never materialized as Chicago’s playoff hopes continue to wither.
Branko Boskovic (D.C. United)
Started, played 90 minutes in 3-1 defeat against the Houston Dynamo.
Boskovic’s recent exploits for his national team show that to really shine in MLS he needs a better supporting cast. Let’s hope that next season the Montenegrin will be able to showcase his European qualifying form. He was called up once again this week and will be representing his nation against Switzerland and England on Oct. 8 and 12 respectively.
David Beckham (Los Angeles Galaxy)
Started, played 90 minutes in 2-0 defeat against the New York Red Bulls, received a caution in the 86th minute for a reckless tackle.
In his first full-90 this year, Beckham looked good. He delivered his usual tantalizing crosses and was energetic in the midfield (which JP Dellacamera felt the need to point out every five minutes.)
Landon Donovan (Los Angeles Galaxy)
Started, played 90 minutes in 2-0 defeat against the New York Red Bulls.
While his fellow DP was eager, Donovan was the below-par performer that we’ve seen since his return from South Africa – sans last weekend’s match. The bursting runs have subsided and he’s slowly fallen out of the MVP picture. One particular chance late in the Red Bull match that typical LD would have put away was fluffed into the hands of Bouna Coundoul.
Juan Pablo Angel (New York Red Bulls)
Started, played 90 minutes in 2-0 victory against the Los Angeles Galaxy, scored from the penalty spot in the 60th minute.
After Angel scored his 13th goal of the season, he answered live on ESPN about his future with the Red Bulls.
"I have enjoyed my time here tremendously. With the players we have, this is the best squad we've had in my time here. Whatever decision they make, it will be in the best interest of the club. Whatever happens, I'll wish the team well and move on."
Red Bull fans, savor your last moments with this legend. It’s been a joy.
Thierry Henry (New York Red Bulls)
Did not play in 2-0 victory against the Los Angeles Galaxy due to a right knee injury.
Even when Henry isn’t playing, he’s making headlines. His purchase of a $14.8 million dollar triplex apartment in New York City popped up on a variety of outlets, including Yahoo! and the Wall Street Journal.
Rafael Marquez (New York Red Bulls)
Started, played 69 minutes in 2-0 victory against the Los Angeles Galaxy.
I wrote about Marquez's performance as a libero as he helped topple the league-leading LA Galaxy earlier. Read that piece here.
Geovanni (San Jose Earthquakes)
Started, played 86 minutes in 3-2 victory against Toronto FC, assisted on Chris Wondolowski’s goal in the 53rd minute.
Twice Geo appeared poised to score his second MLS goal, but Stefan Frei was prepared for both his opportunities. First, Frei sprawled across his goal to deny a curling freekick, and he then blocked the Brazilian late on a pointblank chance near the Toronto penalty spot.
Alvaro Fernandez (Seattle Sounders FC)
Started, played 90 minutes in 3-2 defeat against Monterrey of Mexico in the CONCACAF Champions League, assisted on Michael Fucito’s goal in the 44th minute.
Did not start, played 12 minutes in 1-0 victory against the Chicago Fire.
Before the inevitable collapse against a Mexican opponent, Fernandez’s keen linkup play led to them going up two goals just before halftime. The Uruguayan played a one-two, and then passed to Nate Jaqua who threaded Fucito through for a goal that seemed to give the Sounders a large enough advantage to snag victory south of the border.
Blaise Nkufo (Seattle Sounders FC)
Did not play in 3-2 defeat against Monterrey of Mexico in the CONCACAF Champions League.
Started, played 90 minutes in 1-0 victory against the Chicago Fire, scored game-winner in the 88th minute.
Last week, Nkufo won the MLS and the illustrious Goal.com Player of the Week awards for his hat trick against the Crew. Seven days later, he followed up with a late winner in Bridgeview, Ill. He’s more than just the goals though; the Sounders are noticeably more fluid with him securing the ball and distributing.
Julian de Guzman (Toronto FC)
Started, played 90 minutes in 0-0 draw against Cruz Azul of Mexico in the CONCACAF Champions League.
Started, played 90 minutes in 3-2 defeat against the San Jose Earthquakes.
As the season has progressed, TFC fans’ excitement has slowly turned to ire towards their club. The tie, though, was a quality result for the team who became only the third MLS side to draw in Mexico. De Guzman was pivotal in stifling the Cruz Azul midfield and procuring a hard-fought CCL point.
Mista (Toronto FC)
Did not play in 0-0 draw against Cruz Azul of Mexico in the CONCACAF Champions League due to a red card in last match.
Did not start, played 45 minutes in 3-2 defeat against the San Jose Earthquakes, assisted on Dwayne De Rosario’s goal in the 66th minute.
It took Mista nine matches, but he finally was credited with his first MLS point. Moments after heading a free opportunity wide within the SJ penalty area, the Spanish striker squared a pass to De Rosario. The onus of the goal, however, belongs to the Canadian who took the simple pass and one-touched a brilliant, swerving chip over John Busch.
In the celebration, DeRo replaced his normal shimmy with a simple gesture of signing a check to show his desire for a new contract. It’s mind-boggling that Mista makes twice as much as Toronto’s most important player.
For wry non sequiturs follow Goal.com correspondent Avery Raimondo on Twitter @averyraimondo
For more on Major League Soccer, visit Goal.com's MLS page and join Goal.com USA's Facebook fan page!
"Our fans didn’t want international star players; they wanted star players," Garber said. "It would not surprise me if at some point in the near future we have multiple American designated players."
The American Designated Player is a quandary. The purpose of the rule is to improve the on-field product, but also to broaden a club’s brand, attracting both local and international interest. The idea of bringing back U.S. internationals slightly past their primes has been thrown around since the DP rule was introduced.
How many United States national team members though would appeal to more than just the usual fans who frequent MLS matches? If someone were aware of, say, Carlos Bocanegra, wouldn’t they already be attending?
This makes the rumor of a Jay Demerit signing in Vancouver perplexing. There have been two American DPs, Claudio Reyna and Landon Donovan, with one a clear-cut success and the other, the opposite. Donovan with his immense talent and foreign troubles make him an anomaly. Reyna, arriving in New Jersey towards the end of his career, did not generate the expected excitement in his native state.
The American centerback’s affect on ticket sales in Canada would likely be negligible. And is a centerhalf worth the cost of a Designated Player? The influx of Colombian defenders – Jamison Olave, Wilman Conde, and Jhon Kennedy Hurtado – indicates that it’s not likely. Vancouver, which possess the best defense in USL, will need an upgrade everywhere on the pitch even in the backline when they make the step-up to MLS. DPs, though, are luxuries that must be allotted towards the top of a club’s formation.
If a criterion for a Designated Player is that they must be somewhat attack-minded, few Americans spring to mind. Few who would make a huge impact - Jozy Altidore for example - would return to MLS; those who would fall into similar company as Demerit.
However, two Americans spring to mind who could be the future that Garber envisions: Stuart Holden and Jose Torres.
Seattle’s signings indicate that there is room for marginal DPs, those who make just above the $335,000 dollar cutoff.
Both Blaise Nkufo and Alvaro Fernandez have elevated the once frustrated, sophomore Sounders towards their second playoff birth. Neither Nkufo nor Fernandez is a huge name despite appearing in the World Cup, but their salaries, just above the DP cusp, and their high quality of play made them fabulous acquisitions.
Holden, prior to his move to Bolton, would have been the perfect low-cost Designated Player. His last season with the Dynamo illustrated that he was on the verge of becoming one of the league’s best midfielders. A contract in the mid to high six-figure range – if the midfielder accepted – would have been perfect for Houston and MLS.
Like Fernandez, Holden would have been one of the few Designated Players approaching the prime of their career opposed to their twilight. Prolonging young Americans’ jaunts to Europe will only improve the quality of the league.
Torres, if attracted from Pachuca, would also be an ideal signing for MLS clubs, especially those in Texas. The 22-year-old’s move to a La Liga club is inevitable, but why not make a good deal of money and be the centerpiece of a club before arriving in Spain?
These players wouldn’t elicit a huge response from local crowds, but unlike Demerit, they probably wouldn’t require a seven-figure deal. Their influence on sales would be gradual, as people surrounding their club would be drawn by victories rather than star names.
The Designated Player rule is flexible enough to provide several potent implementations. Ideally, home-bred DPs will complement the likes of Thierry Henry and David Beckham.
Nery Castillo (Chicago Fire)
Did not play in 1-0 defeat against the Seattle Sounders due to a quadriceps injury.
Castillo missed the crucial match in which the Fire couldn't find a breakthrough. But at this point, is there that much of a difference between Calen Carr or Patrick Nyarko, and Castillo?
Freddie Ljungberg (Chicago Fire)
Started, played 90 minutes in 1-0 defeat against the Seattle Sounders.
If the Fire were going to score against the Sounders, Ljungberg seemed the likeliest to create a goal. That being said, the elusive finish never materialized as Chicago’s playoff hopes continue to wither.
Branko Boskovic (D.C. United)
Started, played 90 minutes in 3-1 defeat against the Houston Dynamo.
Boskovic’s recent exploits for his national team show that to really shine in MLS he needs a better supporting cast. Let’s hope that next season the Montenegrin will be able to showcase his European qualifying form. He was called up once again this week and will be representing his nation against Switzerland and England on Oct. 8 and 12 respectively.
David Beckham (Los Angeles Galaxy)
Started, played 90 minutes in 2-0 defeat against the New York Red Bulls, received a caution in the 86th minute for a reckless tackle.
In his first full-90 this year, Beckham looked good. He delivered his usual tantalizing crosses and was energetic in the midfield (which JP Dellacamera felt the need to point out every five minutes.)
Landon Donovan (Los Angeles Galaxy)
Started, played 90 minutes in 2-0 defeat against the New York Red Bulls.
While his fellow DP was eager, Donovan was the below-par performer that we’ve seen since his return from South Africa – sans last weekend’s match. The bursting runs have subsided and he’s slowly fallen out of the MVP picture. One particular chance late in the Red Bull match that typical LD would have put away was fluffed into the hands of Bouna Coundoul.
Juan Pablo Angel (New York Red Bulls)
Started, played 90 minutes in 2-0 victory against the Los Angeles Galaxy, scored from the penalty spot in the 60th minute.
After Angel scored his 13th goal of the season, he answered live on ESPN about his future with the Red Bulls.
"I have enjoyed my time here tremendously. With the players we have, this is the best squad we've had in my time here. Whatever decision they make, it will be in the best interest of the club. Whatever happens, I'll wish the team well and move on."
Red Bull fans, savor your last moments with this legend. It’s been a joy.
Thierry Henry (New York Red Bulls)
Did not play in 2-0 victory against the Los Angeles Galaxy due to a right knee injury.
Even when Henry isn’t playing, he’s making headlines. His purchase of a $14.8 million dollar triplex apartment in New York City popped up on a variety of outlets, including Yahoo! and the Wall Street Journal.
Rafael Marquez (New York Red Bulls)
Started, played 69 minutes in 2-0 victory against the Los Angeles Galaxy.
I wrote about Marquez's performance as a libero as he helped topple the league-leading LA Galaxy earlier. Read that piece here.
Geovanni (San Jose Earthquakes)
Started, played 86 minutes in 3-2 victory against Toronto FC, assisted on Chris Wondolowski’s goal in the 53rd minute.
Twice Geo appeared poised to score his second MLS goal, but Stefan Frei was prepared for both his opportunities. First, Frei sprawled across his goal to deny a curling freekick, and he then blocked the Brazilian late on a pointblank chance near the Toronto penalty spot.
Alvaro Fernandez (Seattle Sounders FC)
Started, played 90 minutes in 3-2 defeat against Monterrey of Mexico in the CONCACAF Champions League, assisted on Michael Fucito’s goal in the 44th minute.
Did not start, played 12 minutes in 1-0 victory against the Chicago Fire.
Before the inevitable collapse against a Mexican opponent, Fernandez’s keen linkup play led to them going up two goals just before halftime. The Uruguayan played a one-two, and then passed to Nate Jaqua who threaded Fucito through for a goal that seemed to give the Sounders a large enough advantage to snag victory south of the border.
Blaise Nkufo (Seattle Sounders FC)
Did not play in 3-2 defeat against Monterrey of Mexico in the CONCACAF Champions League.
Started, played 90 minutes in 1-0 victory against the Chicago Fire, scored game-winner in the 88th minute.
Last week, Nkufo won the MLS and the illustrious Goal.com Player of the Week awards for his hat trick against the Crew. Seven days later, he followed up with a late winner in Bridgeview, Ill. He’s more than just the goals though; the Sounders are noticeably more fluid with him securing the ball and distributing.
Julian de Guzman (Toronto FC)
Started, played 90 minutes in 0-0 draw against Cruz Azul of Mexico in the CONCACAF Champions League.
Started, played 90 minutes in 3-2 defeat against the San Jose Earthquakes.
As the season has progressed, TFC fans’ excitement has slowly turned to ire towards their club. The tie, though, was a quality result for the team who became only the third MLS side to draw in Mexico. De Guzman was pivotal in stifling the Cruz Azul midfield and procuring a hard-fought CCL point.
Mista (Toronto FC)
Did not play in 0-0 draw against Cruz Azul of Mexico in the CONCACAF Champions League due to a red card in last match.
Did not start, played 45 minutes in 3-2 defeat against the San Jose Earthquakes, assisted on Dwayne De Rosario’s goal in the 66th minute.
It took Mista nine matches, but he finally was credited with his first MLS point. Moments after heading a free opportunity wide within the SJ penalty area, the Spanish striker squared a pass to De Rosario. The onus of the goal, however, belongs to the Canadian who took the simple pass and one-touched a brilliant, swerving chip over John Busch.
In the celebration, DeRo replaced his normal shimmy with a simple gesture of signing a check to show his desire for a new contract. It’s mind-boggling that Mista makes twice as much as Toronto’s most important player.
For wry non sequiturs follow Goal.com correspondent Avery Raimondo on Twitter @averyraimondo
For more on Major League Soccer, visit Goal.com's MLS page and join Goal.com USA's Facebook fan page!
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